Forum Unions Maltin in an appeal to the government, has said, “you have to take action now to control the pandemic.”

For.U.M. in a statement said that it is “gravely concerned” with the evolving situation with respect to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It stressed that “this situation could quickly get out of hand, both in terms of hospital and ITU capacity, but also in terms of the ability of people to go on with their normal life and activity.”

For.U.M. joined other organisations who have also expressed their concern over the past 24 hours regarding the current situation with the Covid-19 in Malta and Gozo.

It said that “steps taken immediately by the respective authorities could reduce the spread of the virus and slowly reduce the rate of infection to the point where life could truly get close to normality.”

For.U.M. said that these steps should include:

1) Tightening of border controls – requiring all entrants to be tested before or at entry or be required to stay in quarantine;

2) Strict enforcement of mask wearing anywhere indoors and outdoors wherever people are congregated;

3) Further tightening of measures – including the temporary closure of high-risk locations;

4) Further reduction of the maximum number of people that can congregate in a group;

5) A re-emphasis on remote working particularly in cases of high-risk employees and wherever possible;

6) A strong educational campaign to make sure everyone is aware and understands the need for these measures;

7) Issuing of consistent messages by respective authorities both in the directions provided and in actions taken.

For.U.M. went on to say that it believes that if these actions are taken without delay, it shall be possible to get the pandemic back in control as it was a few months ago.

“This would enable most of us to get back to close to normal life and business possibly by the Christmas holidays.”

It concluded by saying that “failure to act decisively at this point will not only result in a further spread of the virus with associated pain and loss of life but will also stall business and daily life.”

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